1% down...

"I can do this 99 more times." -Mom
If mom can do this that many more times... I think we can all grin and bear it. She's a trooper.

"I hope they call me on a mission, when I have grown a foot or two. I know by then I will be ready... To teach, and preach and work as missionaries do."

picture stolen from magnificent sister.

... I HOPED they CALLED HIM on a mission?
... I KNOW HE LEFT on a mission?
... I hope we can make it through the next 2 years while he is on a mission!
... He is already pretty tall.

Call it whatever you want, but Elder Derek Kort Jensen is officially a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. AKA- La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias. He is headed to Guatemala in a few more weeks and I have already started saving my pennies to go visit after he gets back. I don't think I have ever planned a vacation 2 years ahead of time- that is dedication if you ask me.

Derek reported to the MTC last Wednesday, June 3rd. His flight left bright and early but we were there to love and support him-- and share our tears with him. It really was a nice and generous thing to do. Not many people share their tears... but, given the circumstances- we obliged.







I am not going to sugar coat it... the days leading up to this eventful morning were long and exhausting. Derek is the greatest little brother and best example ever. He is a best friend to so many people and so many people miss him SO much. He was ready to get out there. I am proud of him. We wanted to play so much before he left and get so much in, that by the time he left, we had had it. I am grateful that sometimes all he wants to do is sit and watch ESPN and not impress anyone. (Wait- did I say "sometimes?," because I'm pretty sure I meant "almost always".) My bad.

Our family is extremely blessed to have Derek... and hopefully one day the Stauffer's family will be blessed also. :) It is so hard being in the same town as him and not being able to hear his silly comments and ridiculous ideas on life. I am jealous of his companions in there... I hope they know how lucky they really are... and what they are getting themselves into.

I LOVE YOU DEREK! I MISS YOU EVERYDAY! SEE YOU IN 99 MORE WEEKS! (plus a few)